Gumede, co-accused plead not guilty to racketeering
The 22 accused in the Durban Solid Waste corruption
case have all pleaded not guilty to count 1 of racketeering.
They collectively face over 2 700 fraud and corruption charges related to a multi-million rand DSW tender.
Its alleged supply chain management processes were ignored, for the benefit of identified service providers.
State prosecutor Ashika Lucken read out the indictment in the High Court in Durban on Monday.
Each count will be put to the accused for them to plead.
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Among the accused is former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, who said she is ready to prove her innocence.
She spoke to reporters at court ahead of the day’s proceedings.
“I'm in court to hear what I'm charged with. We don't expect another postponement. I'm tired of these postponements because we're spending too much on lawyers, to dress up and come here to court it also requires money.
"As politicians, we are not involved in government tenders."
